Marriage license Laws in the state of Rhode Island, here is what you need to bring with you, and what you need to know about the Rhode Island marriage laws before applying for the Rhode Island marriage license or civil union license application.

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Marriage License in Rhode Island

Much of the information below is state law, however this information can change from county to county. We recommend contacting your County Clerk's Office before applying for your marriage license.

Individuals marrying or forming a civil union in Rhode Island must apply for a license at a city or town clerk's office. State law restricts the ability of cities and towns to issue these licenses statewide. The license is valid for three months after the issuance date. The ceremony must take place in the presence of the officiant (the person performing the marriage or civil union) and two witnesses age 18 or older.

What You Should Do?Go to the correct city or town clerk office

Both partners must apply for the license in person and sign the application in the presence of a city or town clerk or assistant. Please be sure to contact the city or town office where you will apply for the license to verify their requirements and hours open to the public.

Rhode Island residents:

For marriages, if the bride lives in Rhode Island, the couple should apply for the license at the clerk office in the city or town of the bride's residence. If only the groom lives in Rhode Island, the couple should apply for the license at the clerk office in the city or town of the groom's residence.

For civil unions, if either partner lives in Rhode Island, the couple should apply for the license at the clerk office in the city or town of residence of either of the individual(s).

If at least one partner lives in Rhode Island, the marriage or civil union license is valid in any city or town and the ceremony may take place anywhere in Rhode Island.

Non-residents: If neither partner lives in Rhode Island, the license must be obtained at the clerk office in the city/town where the ceremony will take place. If the ceremony is performed in a city or town other than where it was issued, the validity of the marriage or civil union may be in question.

Provide required identification and legal documents

If previously married or in a civil union, a certified copy of the final decree of divorce or dissolution of the civil union (with the raised or original stamped court seal), or a certified copy of the death certificate of the previous spouse/partner.

For marriages where the bride is younger than age 18 or if either individual is under the control of a legal guardian, a "Minor’s Permit to Marry" completed by the parent or legal guardian. The Minor's Permit is available at city and town clerk offices. Please note that men younger than age 18 and women younger than age 16 also need court permission to marry. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to form a civil union.

Pay for the license

Marriage and civil union licenses cost $24.

Solemnization of Marriage:

The solemnization of marriage shall be in the presence of at least two witnesses (who have reached the age of majority), in addition to the officiant at the marriage.

Proxy Marriages:

No. Both parties must be present.

Same Sex Marriage: Yes.
Common Law Marriage:

No.

Cousin Marriage:

Yes. A man can not marry his aunt, but can marry his cousin. A woman, by the way, may marry her uncle providing she is Jewish.

Officiants:

Everyone who has been, or is, the minister of any society professing to meet for religious purposes, or incorporated for the promotion of such purposes, and holding stated and regular services, and who has been ordained according to the customs and usages of such society may perform marriages.

Ministers must obtain a license from the city or town clerk before performing marriages. Ministers must endorse and return the marriage license to the town or city clerk in which the marriage was performed.

Valid:

License is valid for 90 days.
The license can only be used within the State of Rhode Island.

Name Change:

Getting a marriage license with your new name on it does not mean your name has automatically changed. If you need to change your last name, you can use an online marriage name change kit.